'07 Vintage Rates in the 90s with International Wine Cellar

 

90 Points | 2007 Chardonnay Russian River Valley

"Light yellow-gold.  Exuberant aromas of pit and tropical fruits, with complicating notes of baking spices and vanilla bean.  Fleshy peach and melon flavors are firmed by juicy mineral and bitter pear skin qualities and gain sweetness with air.  The finish repeats the melon note and lingers nicely.  More open-knit than the Sonoma Coast bottling and drinking very well today."

91 Points | 2007 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

"Light gold.  Pear and yellow apple aromas are complemented by subtle notes of lees and sweet butter.  Light-bodied but concentrated, offering juicy orchard fruit and white peach flavors and a late note of tarragon.  The finish repeats the tarragon note and lingers impressively."

93 Points | 2007 Chardonnay La Pommeraie Russian River Valley

"Pale gold. Intriguingly complex bouquet of Meyer lemon, orange peel, green almond and lees, with a kick of white pepper adding vivacity.  Fresh and finely etched, offering zesty citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a deeper undertone of sweet butter and grilled nuts.  Gains weight on the finish, which strongly repeats the orange note and leaves a trail of baking spices behind.  Built to age but delicious now."

92 Points | 2007 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast

"Deep red. Sexy red and dark berry aromas are complicated by fresh rose and violet, with a subtle smoky undertone.  Fleshy and sweet, offering suave black raspberry and boysenberry flavors, velvety texture and a slow-building candied floral quality.  An alluring pinot with excellent finishing lift, clarity and sappy persistence.  This held up well in the open bottle."

91 Points | 2006 Pinot Noir Cohn Vineyard Sonoma County

"Vivid red.  Spicy red and dark berry aromas are complicated by Asian spices, resiny herbs and fresh rose.  Supple and sweet, with deep red fruit flavors, gentle tannins and a late note of candied flowers.  The spicy qualities repeat on the persistent finish, along with gently sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors.  This delivers the punch to handle richer foods but also has the finesse to work with lighter fare."

91 Points | 2006 Pinot Noir Bella Una Russian River Valley

"Deep, vivid red.  Powerful scents of dark berries, kirsch and smoky minerals.  A sexy floral quality builds with air and carries onto the palate, adding complexity to the sweet dark fruit preserve flavors.  The mineral notes linger on the focused, sweetly persistent finish.  This could handle a rich red meat dish with ease."

 

- By Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, May 21, 2009